The celebration of Pentecost always marks the end of the year in the Atrium. This year (for the first time ever for me) we were behind the liturgical calendar! Even though Pentecost Sunday was over a week ago, we have waited until this week to celebrate in the Atrium. It is so appropriate to head into summer having asked the Holy Spirit to stir up His gifts within us and to pray in a special way for the gift we feel will most help us to write well and live well. The youngest children recalled the many gifts of Baptism and then focused on the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. After hearing a brief definition of each gift, each child was invited to the prayer table to choose the one gift they most wanted "stirred up" in their heart. A candle with their name on it was then lit from that gift's candle. The 1st - 3rd and 4th - 6th years experienced these same moments, preceded, however, by a time of reading the Scriptural account of Pentecost and participating in a Synthesis Celebration. The children were asked where, throughout the History of the Kingdom of God, the Holy Spirit has been present and active, sharing his Gifts. Each group brought items from the Atrium to place in front of the prayer table which show the working of the Holy Spirit. The children ended their celebration with song, suggesting and requesting many of their favorites! The last material added to the mat was a sheep from the Good Shepherd parable. The child who suggested the sheep said that we, the sheep of the Good Shepherd, have received the Holy Spirit and listen to him. But it was challenging to decide if the sheep should be placed with those items from the time of Jesus or those of today. The decision? Both. Another sheep was added, one placed on each mat. What a beautiful way to end another year in the Atrium of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Sofia Cavalletti speaks about the Our Father...
"Among the teachings of Jesus, the Our Father has a privileged place in our catechesis since it is also included in the content of the 3-6 Atrium. This is keeping with our rule, 'give the greatest things to the youngest children.' Thus, after pondering the great parables of the Kingdom with the youngest children we pray with them, 'your kingdom come' both in words and in song, but no more than that." (Level III CGS DVD) Earlier this year we looked at the Synthesis of the Our Father done by the Level III or 9-12 year old children. The Our Father is also lifted up in the Level II or 6-9 year old Atrium. On the First Sacraments Retreat the children are invited to prepare their own copy. Here are several examples of this prayer which unites us all with Jesus as family, written and embellished by the children on retreat this year. The Catholic tradition of crowning Mary as Queen in early May is embraced at The Way of the Shepherd. For the past few years we have used this day to also honor the grandparents of our children by inviting them to attend this beautiful celebration. This year the 2nd year children, assisted by the 6th grade graduates, led us in the four decades of the Rosary focused primarily on Mary: The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Assumption, and The Crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. After the children crowned Mary, we reflected on some of the titles of Mary. The children remembered "Morning Star," "Tower of Ivory," "House of Gold," "Holy Queen," "Immaculate Mary," and "Queen of Heaven." We also recalled some titles or names for Jesus. They listed "King of Kings," "Father Forever," "Good Shepherd," "The Lord," "Prince of Peace." Jesus is the "Prince of Peace," and Mary is the "Queen of Peace." Later that day some of the three and four year olds spent time in the Atrium and we crowned our statue of Mary. In pondering what we might say to Mary, the children responded with many ideas. "Thank you for being Jesus' Mom." "Mary, help us be kind." "Please help us not get sick." During one three year old's "visit" to Mary's statue, he repeatedly whispered, "Mother of God, don't be afraid. Mary, you are always in our heart." During our Level II Atrium that afternoon the 1st and 2nd years couldn't help but sing the songs we had sung during the Crowning of Mary. Throughout the two hour Atrium session "As I Kneel Before You" and "Hail, Holy Queen" were begun again and again, forming a background to the work of the children. In the midst of a variety of other work, several of the children took time to draw an image of Mary.
Unless you have had the opportunity to observe in the Atrium it can be hard to imagine what "a day in the life of the Atrium" looks like. The children have many freedoms in the Atrium: choosing work, repeating work, choosing work partners, choosing where to work. All of this freedom, balanced with responsibility, results in a quiet, peaceful space filled with variety and with joy!
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Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
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April 2024
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